The best means of watching and recording standard-def satellite television

For

Ease of set up and use

clear menus

remote recording via web browser or text message

Against

Hard disk could be bigger

subscription only

Reviewed on 12th May 2004

You might well have to fit a satellite dish and will certainly have to pay a monthly subscription fee (additional channels, at extra cost, will also be an option), but the pros of the Sky+ receiver outweigh the cons in much the same way that Oprah outweighs Trisha.

This is one of the most flexible hard-disk recording products on the market. It uses a 80GB hard-disk drive that allows storage of around 20 hours of content and, crucially, it's supported by what is simply the best user interface you'll find on a product of this type.

Plan your viewing to suit youThe Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) is impressive, giving you as much as a week's advanced TV scheduling on a simple menu. The system can be set to record an entire series - even if the future shows are weeks in advance - and will do so even while you watch something different.

wo integrated tuners let you watch one channel while you record another, or record two channels at the same time while viewing something you've already recorded. The live pause function will even let you defy the laws of physics by pausing live TV transmissions and returning to them when it's convenient for you.

Along with two Scarts, the Sky+ digibox has an optical digital output, a particular benefit with the Sky Movie channels, which frequently broadcast audio in Dolby Digital 5.1. As a result, soundtracks sound spec--t--acular and deliver full surround sound. The Sky+ receiver's picture is similarly outstanding, with digital noise being all but eradicated, motion-tracking calm and cohesive, and images full of bright, vibrant colours. Contrast is excellent, too: even areas of shadow are -rendered competently and clearly with -subtlety and detail. This is a cracking receiver for not much money.

More after the break

Worth paying the subscriptionThe Sky+ system is the cheapest way to both watch and record satellite TV, so it's good that the implementation matches up to the promise. Yes, it involves subscribing to one or more of Sky's premium channels, but the chances are, despite having to pay, you'll find it addictive. We certainly do!